Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to get its first underwater bedrooms

Tourists will be able to sleep under the sea as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is set to get its first underwater bedrooms

  • A floating pontoon will have three levels and accommodation for 24 guests
  • Each room will have 360 degree views of the reef – it is due to open in April 2020
  • The Queensland Government has said it will give AU$1million to the project

Tourists could soon be able to sleep under the sea at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, new plans have revealed.  

A floating pontoon is set to be built off Lady Musgrave Island, which will have three levels, an underwater observatory and accommodation for up to 24 guests. 

The Queensland Government has said it will contribute AU$1million (£558,400) to the project. 

Sleep with the fishes: The floating pontoon will have three levels and feature an underwater observatory and accommodation for up to 24 guests

An all-inclusive two-day and one-night stay will cost around AU$550 (£307), according to LadBible.  

Each room will have 360 degree views of the reef and are expected to be available from April 2020.  

The 36-metre pontoon will also have a platform for diving and snorkelling.

Tourism industry development minister Kate Jones said the pontoon is expected to draw an extra 16,000 visitors to the region every year and drive more than $1.8 million in visitor expenditure.

‘This pontoon is a game-changer for Lady Musgrave and the Great Barrier Reef and will create a whole new way for visitors to experience the island and the region,’ she said.

‘The pontoon will be 36 metres by 12 metres and will provide accommodation for up to 24 people.

The pontoon is being made partly from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic milk containers, and it will use wind and solar power

The pontoon is being made partly from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic milk containers, and it will use wind and solar power

The 36 metre pontoon will also have a platform for diving and snorkelling

The 36 metre pontoon will also have a platform for diving and snorkelling

Located on Lady Musgrave Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef, the Queensland Government has said it will contribute $1million to the project

Located on Lady Musgrave Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef, the Queensland Government has said it will contribute $1million to the project

‘It will host an underwater observatory with UV lighting, so visitors can experience the reef at night and have upper decks for diving, snorkelling and environmental data collection.’  

The pontoon is being made partly from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic milk containers, and it will use wind and solar power.

Brett Lakey, Lady Musgrave Experience managing director, said: ‘This development will ensure the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef is an attractive gateway for visitors, providing some of the best tourism experiences on the Reef.’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk